Review by Cambria

Title: Storm Born (Dark Swan Issues #1 and #2)


Author: Richelle Mead

Genre: Paranormal

Format: paperback

Publisher: Sea Lion Publishing May 2011

ISBN: 978-0982818640

Eugenie Markham is a freelance shaman. She spends her days battling otherworldly creatures that find their way into the homes of regular people like you and me. She stares down the vile and evil eyes of those wanting to do harm to the innocent. Then she goes home and puts together puzzles. And she does it while wearing silk pajamas.

Really though, puzzles make sense. Wouldn’t you like doing something that you knew for certain that you could fit together? When you spend your days like Eugenie, battling otherworldly creatures who can be a bit unpredictable, doing something that is a sure thing seems like a no-brainer.

As if her day job was high stress enough – suddenly these creatures know her name. Her real name – not the name that she uses as her alias. How could they possibly know her name and why all of a sudden are they all propositioning her?

If something like that was propositioning me, I’d kill them too.

Then, a client approaches her with a dangerous job that pulls at her heartstrings. A young girl has been kidnapped by Gentry (AKA fairies and I ain’t talking about Tinker Bell) and taken to the other world. Eugenie knows taking her body into that world could be dangerous – it could be deadly. Torn between what she should do and what she wants to do, she does what any single, hot female would do: she goes out to a bar to blow off steam. (come on admit it, you do it too)

It is at this bar that she meets Kiyo, a regular joe – a veterinarian. Someone she actually likes. Things go well until they don’t. An elemental appeared in the room she was sharing with Kiyo. Things got surprising when the ‘average joe’ kicked it’s a**, and they sent it packing. Turns out Kiyo might not be who he seems…

Before Eugenie could get any answers Kiyo disappeared and left her with a surprisingly large hole in her heart. But Eugenie is a professional and life must go on.

She has a job to do and people to protect. Watch out otherworldly demons…Eugenie’s heart is breaking and that means she’s taking her man troubles out on you.



I am only just becoming aware of how great the market can be for a Graphic Novel. When Sea Lion Books sent over this novel for me to read I was so excited. I mean this is the work of Richelle Mead. I had no idea that she had gotten into the graphic novel scene.

Thank goodness someone told me.

This was a rockin’ start to what I think is going to be an awesome graphic novel series. There was a ton of action to move the story along and lots of creepy otherworldly beings. And I was the only one who noticed the chompers on those things?? I mean yikes! Those teeth looked like razors…

Anyway, I like the premise of these novels. I like the idea of a tough as nails female who doesn’t need a man to scare away the baddies that creep into her life. But…I also like that maybe she might like to have a man to banish some of that loneliness. Oh, yeah and to maybe rock her world.

This is only the second graphic novel that I have read, but once again I was stuck at how the writer has to impart so much information with so few words. It was done well here and the reader really gets a good sense of the characters and their personalities. While I may not be super experienced with graphic novels, I do know that if you can’t get the reader to connect with the main character then you’re just wasting paper. Good thing Sea Lion books knows what they are doing.

The art work was really great too. I don’t know why and am slightly embarrassed to admit that I never really wanted to read a graphic novel before because I thought something in the story might be lost in between all those pictures. But you know…the pictures added to the story - they imparted what the words did not. It was a little light bulb moment for me. I loved the use of color and the way the scenes moved so seamlessly from one to the next. And, let me just add that I personally liked that Eugenie had red hair. It looks hot. I also like her alias name, Odile. The Dark Swan…it seems to fit her.

Another thing I like about the novel? I like that she has parents who care about her. And I like that they know what she does for a living – with her dad retired from the same line of work. Often times in books like these the parents (if the main character even has any) are kept in the dark without lying. Often times the main character has to lie. I like that in this story she can be who she is.

I would recommend this series of graphic novels to anyone who wants a change of pace from their regular reads. They are quick, fun and have pretty pictures  . I would classify these as being more on the adult side than the young adult. If you have a teen that is just dying to read them I would suggest reading them first as a preview…just to be sure it is something that you approve of.

I am looking forward to the next issue, I can’t wait to see what happens when Eugenie travels into the other world to save the young girl, and I can’t wait to see what happens between Eugenie and her man. This series is a must read!

This review is written by Cambria Hebert

Outlander Series Reading Challenge

2011 Outlander Series Reading Challenge

January 1-December 31, 2011

Here is a challenge that I have just signed up for, not that I don't already have enough on my plate I had to add one more thing lol, but I have been wanting to read this series for awhile now.  The Lit Bitch is hosting the Outlander Series Reading Challenge to encourage people to read Diana Gabaldon's series about time travel and Scottish history. 

I would love it if you would join me in this challenge I think it would be alot of fun. :) Hope to see you there. 

The goal is to read all of the books currently published:
Outlander
Dragonfly in Amber
Voyager
Drums in Autumn
The Fiery Cross
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
An Echo in the Bone

If you'd like to participate, head over to the Outlander Series Reading Challenge Sign Up Page.

Review: We Be Big, Rick and Bubba

Synopsis by Booksneeze: 

The story of two unlikely radio hosts and what happened when they followed their faith and instincts. 

Rick & Bubba are the most unlikely broadcast stars imaginable, yet hundreds of thousands of loyal listeners start their day with them every morning. Beyond that, they break the biggest no-no rule for secular radio as they openly share their faith in Christ and their common-sense way of looking at the world. Now, in We Be Big: The Mostly True Story of How We Became Rick & Bubba, readers learn how this unlikely pairing came about. Alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, this is also the highly personal story of two men who—like most of us—resisted stepping through the doors God opened for them, opting for the easier path when tested. When they finally decided to follow their instincts and their faith, though, not only did they became amazingly successful, but also a truly powerful platform became theirs.

My Thoughts:

I received a complimentary copy from Booksneeze in return for a review.  I was not sure what to expect from this book.  I was pleasantly surprised.  A book about two guys struggling and working as had as they could in pursuit of their dream to work as radio broadcasters.  They are both from the South so I have not had the pleasure of hearing their radio show, I am however glad I was able to read this book.  It was like sitting at the kitchen table talking with old friends and listening to them recall their tails of how they became starts on the radio.  When reading it was like I could almost even hear them talking with their Southern accents.  Never letting go of their faith in GOD  and with the love of their family's and friends their dreams came.  

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a good feel book, this is the right one.  

Natshane's Review

Hello Everyone,
I have great news today, two of my friends have graciously accepted to Guest Blog for me, these ladies belong to Goodreads website as well and I really enjoy reading their reviews.  So I am proud to introduce Cambria and Natshane, you will see their posts from time to time and I invite everyone to stop by and leave a comment. 


Bio for Natshane:  
Hello there, I'm Natasha and I'm 16 going on 17 (yup, counting down the days). Reading has been my favourite pastime and books are my guilty pleasure (yes, because I'm supposed to be studying). And I'm seriously addicted to YA series, romance, and fiction. Plus, I harboured an obsession towards Hot Fictional Guys, haha. Reading books has been my hobby for a very long time now but I also developed a passion in writing, in fact, I wrote stories (unfortunately, non was completed) and poems, and now, I find myself being interested in giving reviews as well! Besides that, I'm a big softy for romance and I cry easily, hell, I'm always an emotional clown! I do crazy things when I'm emotional, like banging my head, hitting my brother, etc...:P Nevertheless, when I curl up with a good book, I need peace, quiet, but ironically, I need music too! LOL.


BloodLust - Vampire Beach series Book 1 by Alex Duval


THE A-LIST BITES.
Jason Freeman is stoked when his family relocates to exclusive DeVere Heights, Malibu. The in-crowd at his posh new high school is surprisingly friendly -- soon Jason's hitting all the best parties. He even meets the token hot-but-unattainable girl. 

Determined to enjoy his almost postcard-perfect new life, Jason tries hard to ignore the many strange things going down in DeVere Heights. But then a girl washes up dead the morning after one off-the-hook party -- and with no explanation but a suspicious-looking bite mark. Now Jason has to admit that what you don't want to know can hurt you. 
I liked this book, although it sure took me a long time to get to the good part, but I find myself engrossed in the world of Vampires of Paradise.

Vampire Beach is a catchy name, and considering the characters are extremely wealthy and spohisticated, they should be called Vampire Brats, haha.

Nevertheless, I give this book a four because:

1. Unlike any other vampire romance I've read about, the protagonist is actually a boy! And I rarely read a story through the eyes of a human boy character, especially in a vampire book. Jason Freeman is definitely a refreshing change. I always read about girls describing how beautiful vampires are, and to read it from a guy's POV, I never knew boys could be so girly too, haha...

2. The vampires book I've read, they rarely describe the process where the protagonist discovers the existence of vampires, normally it would be like an incident + vampires appear = Wow, there are vampires in this town! But in Vampire Beach, I read about NORMAL vampires that goes to school, talked like normal human, eat like normal human, joined sports! and they are not loners. In fact, they are the popular crowd because they are wealthy. Seemed like the normal spoilt brats in school, who knew they harboured such a dark secret right?

3. I like the new traits that was introduced in this series!
- The vampires could tone down their appearance, or even changing it, just to blend in.
-The vampires could expand and contract their muscles as they wish!
-The vampires doesn't have that crazy craze for bloodlust but it's forbidden if they give in into it.
-They can basically die in the same ways as humans.
-And yes, they do still possess the typical vampire powers : fast, strong, cool (:P)

I wouldn't say that this book is bad, but it's not as attractive as the other vampire books, BUT! I would still read the second one, and the next, and the next, because I'm finding myself falling in love with Paradise.  
Review written by
Natasha Anne

Guest Bloggers

Hello Everyone,
I have great news today, two of my friends have graciously accepted to Guest Blog for me, these ladies belong to Goodreads website as well and I really enjoy reading their reviews.  So I am proud to introduce Cambria and Natshane, you will see their posts from time to time and I invite everyone to stop by and leave a comment.

Bio for Cambria:

I am a writer, reviewer and a mother of two. I am totally addicted to Starbucks (I'll take a latte!) and I can barely operate my computer. I am obsessed with werewolves and I have an irrational fear of chickens (ewww, gross!). My favorite place to go is Barnes and Nobles and one day I hope to see my book grace their shelves. 





Review for Dirty Blood:

                            

Title: Dirty Blood Author: Heather Hildenbrand 

Format: Paperback, E-Book

ISBN: 1461065712

Published: April 2011 by Accendo Press          

Tara is a typical teenager making her way through high school, dealing with a not so nice girl and coming to terms with the fact that the guy she’s dating isn’t the guy meant for her. Her father died when she was a toddler, and she lives with her mother who practically smothers her with over-protectiveness.

While on a date with the guy who’s better off her friend, she decides she’s had enough of his football playing, no date showing, agent having ways. She tells him exactly what she thinks of him and then tells him to hit the road. Too bad that left her without a ride.

On her way to the bus stop she passes an alley where she finds a girl she thinks might need her help. When she gets closer the girl completely morphs into a snarling werewolf and attacks. Tara surprises herself by fighting back-and winning.

Once the shock wears off she finds herself looking down at the body of a dead girl-no longer a wolf. What just happened, and where does she go from here? A mysterious boy shows up and offers her answers and a ride. Little does Tara know that the minute she accepts his help her life will change forever.

I feel it is only fair to disclose that I am a werewolf loving woman. That’s right, I’m obsessed. When there’s a full moon I run out into my dark yard and wait for a furry hottie to come get me. Sadly, he hasn’t arrived yet, but when he does…I’ll be waiting.

Now that you know about my little obsession we can continue.

I consider myself a werewolf connoisseur (hey, if people who love wine can be wine connoisseurs then I can be one of werewolves). There are some very strict guidelines that one must follow when writing a werewolf book. What are said guidelines? That’s for another time, people. I can tell you that Heather Hildenbrand followed these rules very well.

Dirty Blood has a really great plot. It was simple yet complex. There were layers to the story that unfolded as you read. When I got to the middle of the book I could not put it down, I was hooked. It is not your run of the mill werewolf story, but it still held firm to all the things we love about werewolves. What are those things you ask? I’ll tell you. One: they are badass fighters. Two: They can kill you-but won’t unless you deserve it. Three: deep down they are big puppy dogs. Four: They run in packs. Five: They like to eat meat. Now of course, there are exceptions…some werewolves are not very nice at all. This book has those guys too. Which, in my opinion, makes the good werewolves look even better.

Tara was a great character. She was strong and independent and never backed down from what she wanted. Curve balls came at her, and she faced them head on-even when everyone else tried to make her duck. She even stood up to those she loved when she thought they weren’t treating her the way she deserved. But you know what else? She was really likable. She had a good head on her shoulders, and she was nice.

Now, let’s discuss my favorite character in the book: Wes. This was one hottie of a werewolf. He was stubborn, pig-headed, over-bearing and his emotions ran hot and cold. What’s not to love? He needed a strong woman to tell him how it is. Too bad that Tara was up to the task cause I would volunteer for that job any day. Did I mention that he was hot? And that he drove a cool car? But seriously, he was a really well developed character, his life had not been easy and instead of being angry and hateful he was driven and focused. He had a sense of duty and honor that he adhered to even when that meant that he couldn’t have what he wanted.

The ending was satisfying, but still left enough for you to anticipate the next book, Cold Blood. And I am anticipating it. I can’t wait to read it. Also I would like to add, that the book was put together really well. At the back of the book you are given an excerpt and a short story to read. It was a nice bonus in the back of an already good book.

And let me also disclose that the second book will be having a character by the name of Cambria. That’s right, it’s me. I won the grand prize in a blog contest and now the author will be using my name in the second book. Very appropriate wouldn’t you say? Maybe just maybe….this girl might finally get her werewolf after all…..

Review is written by Cambria Hebert

Review: Across The Veil by Lisa Kessler

 Princess Talia from Summerland has been hiding across the veil in the human world for the past five years.

Starring in a hit television show as human actress, Natalie Thurmont, her charmed new life is shattered when the past comes knocking on her door.

"Across the Veil" won Romance in the Backseat book review's Paranormal Fight Club short story contest. 

My Thoughts:  

For such a quick read, this little book packed a big punch.  I was drawn in from the first page and couldn't stop until I was finished.  

Princess Talia fled Summerland and crossed the Veil hiding from the man who she has been betrothed to since birth, but the one man she never wanted to marry, it was the love of his brother she wanted but couldn't have.  

I really enjoyed reading this small but massively filled book, the characters, and the story left me wanting more when I was finished. It was a touching love story that made you *sigh* at the end, it held mystery and great steamy love scene, and I love how she mixed in the Fairy world along with a bit of vampires. From page one to twenty five I couldn't put it down.  I hope Lisa will take these character's and have book 2 as I believe they certainly have more to tell.  

I recommend this book highly. Congrats Lisa I look forward to reading more of your books.  

Review: Piper's Fury by Rachel Firasek

It's an empath thing...

Using your "powers" to help the Dark Hills Police Department hunt down serial killers doesn't leave much time for dating. Not that Piper Anast is complaining. The last thing she needs is some guy brushing up against her and pumping his pornographic thoughts into her head.

When she meets Bennett Slade, a sexy, tormented vampire, Piper stumbles headlong into a telepathic connection with his missing daughter. She can't leave the kid to the evil surrounding her unwanted visions, nor can she resist her draw to Slade. He's the first guy she's been able to touch vision-free in, well, forever.

As she and Slade close in on the evil creature holding his daughter, Piper's powers morph into a deadly fury. To save Slade's daughter-and herself-Piper must face down demons she never knew she had and trust the one thing she keeps from everyone.

Her heart.

My Thought's:

I am so excited to do this review.   I have read many Vampire books, and sometimes find they are all the same with just a bit of a twist.  Piper's Fury is not your average Vampire book, it is a story that will leave you wanting more.  

Piper has psychic abilities and her job is to help the local Police Department with cases they can not solve. Touching people for Piper can sometimes be a problem,as she can see into their minds, thoughts and sometimes their souls.  She meets Bennett Slade through Mable, Mable who has taken care of Piper since her mothers murder.  Mable's nephew Gage, who has been in love with Piper since childhood brings his new bride to dinner and his new bride's cousin, Slade.  Piper is drawn to him for reasons she can not figure out right away.  

Bennett Slade has a tortured past like Piper and is in need of Piper's special abilities.  Slade approaches Piper and ask's for her help to find his daughter who is only 5-years old. She refuses him at first, but his daughter finds Piper in a dream and now Piper doesn't seem to be able to refuse him much longer.  

While fighting Vampires, Demons, and trying to find Slade's daughter, Piper is also trying to fight her desire to be with Slade, and deal with what she unravels about her own identity along the way.  

I can't say anymore or I will have this review filled with spoilers.  The first chapter pulled me in completely and had me captivated, and I found myself not being able to put this book down. If I did have to, I was thinking about it lol.  I love the fast paced action, I love Piper's strong feisty attitude, her caring sensitive side (when she lets people see it) and she drives a Ducatti, now that's freakin cool. 

Slade, well what can I say about Slade, yummy.  He has all the manners a woman wants in her man, but still holds that mysterious allure that every woman loves.  They have fantastic chemistry together, they made me laugh, made me get mad when Piper was being stubborn, but cheer them on when things were getting steamy.  It would be a big mistake to miss out on this book, it's funny, steamy, sexy the characters are wonderful, I loved this book, has all the right ingredients of a great Paranormal, mystery/thriller with a love story in the mix.  

I can not wait to read book 2. Check it out you will not be disappointed. 

About the Author:

If you'd like to find out more about Rachel and her book, you can find her at the links posted below:

Website:  http://www.rachelfirasek.com/apps/blog/

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/rfirasek

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/raebob78

Review: Thalo Blue by Jason McIntyre

Synopsis by Goodreads:  A young man on the brink of true adulthood experiences the trauma of his life when a trespasser breaks into his home. Sebastion Redfield and the psychiatrist assigned to help him recover from the break-in begin to unravel a more disturbing truth about his ordeal: that someone or some thing has been hunting him.


I love to read anything that will scare me to death. Mystery, thrillers anything that gives me the heebie jeebies.  This was by far the right book for me to pick.  It was a combination of reading something from Mr. Stephen King and watching Nightmare on Elm Street.  The never knowing whats around the next corner or what is going to happen with each page you turn.  


Sebastion Redfield is being hunted, and haunted. Hunted by "The Theif" and haunted by the memories of his past.  After a horrific attack, Sebastion (Zeb) is assigned a psychiatrist to help him recover from his attack, but as they start the process it starts to reveal something more sinister and they realize this was not just a random attack.  Not only is he trying to come into his adulthood,  he has a condition, a "Special Gift" his mother calls it. The amazing way Jason McIntyre describes how Sebastion see's the world through his eyes is brilliant.  Through color and sounds it is interesting, intriguing, and  he takes you right into Sebastion's (Zeb) world and mind


Just when you thought you knew what was going to happen next, Jason threw a twist and turn you absolutely did not see coming.  It was a book that had me gasping out loud, it haunted me, scared me, intrigued me made me laugh and made me cheer on Sebastion on his quest to unravel the mystery of the person hunting him, it had all the violence and gore you would expect from a great mystery/thriller novel. I recommend Jason's book to anyone who loves being scared.    If you want to see more watch the trailer. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 


Born on the prairies, Jason McIntyre's observation of vibrant characters and vivid surroundings help populate the worlds inside his stories. Before his time as a writer, editor and communications professional, he spent several years as a graphic designer and commercial artist. 

His novel "On The Gathering Storm" is cited by readers as an 'uncomfortably thrilling' read. Some tell tales of fainting spells, vomiting and self-mutilation as they read the harrowing ordeal of Hannah Garretty.

Currently, Jason is hard at work on a follow-up novel series about "The Night Walk Men". His current full-length novel in release is the suspense-mixed-with-coming-of-age thriller, THALO BLUE. No word on any faintings just yet.


You can find Jason McIntyre at his website:   www.theFarthestReaches.com
On Twitter
On Goodreads

New Author

Hi Everyone,
I would like to share with you all a new Author, Steve Piacente, his new book is called Bella. I watched the trailer for this book and it looks like a great read. http://www.getbella.com/ is the link to check out his blog and his new book and also the trailer for it.